Since 1858, the Dutch had subjected the Sultanate of Siak Sri Indrapura to its rule, drawing protest from the British.

The other treaty regulated the recruitment of contract workers from British India for the Dutch colony of Suriname.

Due to the negative opinion on the report by the Dutch Council of State, the issue was put off the agenda for the time being.

On 21 June 1870, the Council of State replied positive to this proposal, on the condition that such a cession be coupled with a recognition of Dutch control and influence in the East Indies.

[2] Meanwhile, the British put forward some additional conditions on the cession of the Gold Coast, requesting that the Siak and Recruitment treaties should be ratified simultaneously, so that recruitment could only happen if the British would have their equal rights in Siak.